Articles tagged with Asthma
The study found that over 50% of asthma cases are linked to allergies, with cat allergy being the leading cause. Atopy, a condition resulting from gene-environment interactions, is measured by skin tests and was associated with nearly 57% of asthma cases.
A study of black and white patients with asthma found that blacks were more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized for the condition, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. The researchers suggest that genetic differences may underlie these racial disparities in asthma outcomes.
A large international study of children found that those with allergic sensitizations in economically developed countries are four times more likely to have asthma than their non-sensitized counterparts. The association was weaker in less affluent settings, suggesting local environmental factors may play a role.
Researchers found that oil spill clean-up workers were more likely to experience lower and upper respiratory tract symptoms, including chronic cough and phlegm. The effects persisted for over a year after the last clean-up activity but eventually declined, suggesting partial reversibility.
A seven-year study of 460 Spanish children found that a diet rich in fish and fruity vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of childhood asthma and allergies. The study also reinforced earlier findings that a fish-rich diet during pregnancy can help protect children from asthma and allergies.
A recent study led by McGill University found that breastfeeding does not offer protection against childhood asthma and allergies. The research, which followed 13,889 children from birth to age 6½, revealed an increased risk of positive allergic skin tests among breastfed infants.
A study using a DNA microarray technology, Virochip, detected an unexpected number of viruses and viral subtypes in patients with respiratory tract infections. The technique identified new viruses associated with human diseases, including asthma exacerbations.
Depression produces the greatest decrement in health compared to chronic diseases like angina, arthritis, and asthma. People with depression and one or more chronic diseases have the worst health scores, according to a study of 245,404 people.
A Cardiff University study found that removing indoor mold improved asthma symptoms, with a significant decrease in inhaler use and improvement of other respiratory issues. The study suggests keeping homes dry and well-ventilated can reduce exposure to mold spores.
A new study by Ohio State University Medical Center found that nearly 40% of varsity athletes tested positive for exercise-induced asthma, including those without a prior history of the condition. The study highlights the need for routine diagnosis and management tools to detect this potentially serious condition among athletes.
A new study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that parents' beliefs about their children's asthma medications play a significant role in treatment adherence. The study revealed that parents who perceived a stronger need for their child's medication were more likely to adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen.
A study found that UK children with asthma are being treated inappropriately, with over 121,000 prescriptions for bronchodilator syrups still issued in 2006 despite guidance discouraging their use. The number of combination inhaler prescriptions also increased significantly.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 12 out of 17 adolescents were misdiagnosed with asthma due to vocal cord dysfunction, which can cause breathing difficulties. The use of spirometry tests in emergency departments may help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks and reduce misdiagnosis.
A survey of 25,000 WTC rescue and recovery workers found a 3.6% rate of new asthma, 12 times higher than expected for the adult population. Respirator use was associated with lower rates of newly diagnosed asthma, but not all worker groups showed significant protection.
Research links exhaust fumes to increased asthma risk in genetically susceptible children, particularly those with high microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity and GSTP1 genetic variants. Children exposed to road traffic pollution are also at greater risk of developing asthma.
A study of over 300,000 genetic markers found a strong association between the ORMDL3 gene and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The research suggests that identifying this gene could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma.
A new study by USC researchers suggests that children with specific genetic variations are more susceptible to developing asthma, particularly if they live near major roadways. The study found that high levels of microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme in response to vehicle emissions increased the risk for lifetime asthma.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) solved the 3D structure of LTC4 synthase, a protein targeted for asthma treatments. The breakthrough allows for the development of new and more effective medications against airway inflammation.
A large international study found that nurses are more than twice as likely to develop occupational asthma and cleaners face a 71% higher risk. Workplace conditions may be responsible for up to 25% of new asthma cases in industrialized countries.
A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine reveals that older people with inadequate health literacy had a 50 percent higher mortality rate over five years than those with adequate reading skills. Low health literacy was the top predictor of mortality after smoking, surpassing income and years of education.
Researchers discovered a gene associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, found to alter ORMDL3 levels in children with asthma. The study involved over 2,000 children and found that the disease-associated version of the gene increases asthma risk by 60-70%.
A study of over 2,000 children found a genetic marker on chromosome 17 linked to an increased risk of childhood onset asthma. The discovery provides a new molecular pathway for targeted treatments and could lead to improved management of the disease.
A randomized controlled trial shows that the Papworth breathing technique can reduce asthma symptoms by a third, with improvements also seen in mental health outcomes. The technique, which involves diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation exercises, has no significant impact on lung function.
A survey of 1,812 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma found that the disease was not controlled in 55 percent, despite regular health care visits. Uncontrolled asthmatics were more likely to experience severe symptoms and hospitalizations.
Healthcare systems are increasingly relying on mobile communication technology to improve care, but little guidance exists on its safe use. The UK and US are leading the way in applying this technology, but existing guidance is limited in scope and often fails to address key concerns.
A new study published at the American Thoracic Society Meeting found that bronchial thermoplasty improved pulmonary function, asthma control, and quality of life in severe asthma patients. After one year, 50% of patients were able to completely wean off oral corticosteroids, with significant improvements in medication use.
Researchers from NHLBI Asthma Clinical Research Networks and ALA ACRC Network will present new findings on the effect of inhaled steroids on children with asthma, as well as the impact of overweight and obesity on asthma severity. Substudies and subgroup analyses for three ACRC studies will also be presented.
A study of over 3,000 adults with asthma found that obese patients are more likely to have severe asthma and experience increased healthcare utilization. The researchers also noted that obese patients were less likely to be in asthma remission compared to non-overweight patients.
A new study of 914 children with mild to moderate asthma found that consistent inhaled steroid use was associated with a 20% lower likelihood of well-controlled asthma. The study suggests genetic factors may play a role in non-response to steroids, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that obese adults are more likely to experience persistent or severe asthma compared to their thinner counterparts. The study analyzed data from 3,059 adults with asthma and found a significant association between obesity and increased risk of asthma severity.
Two studies demonstrated SYMBICORT's effectiveness in improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) and patient-reported satisfaction with asthma treatment. The combination therapy showed significant improvements in HRQL scores compared to monocomponents or placebo, while also demonstrating better patient-reported global assessments.
The company has completed enrollment in its pivotal FDA-approved IDE study, the Asthma Intervention Research 2 (AIR2) Trial, which aims to establish the safety and efficacy of the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System. The trial has nearly 300 patients enrolled at over 30 medical centers worldwide.
Researchers have developed an electronic nose that can detect the presence of asthma by analyzing volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The device was able to identify asthmatic patients, but showed less accuracy in determining disease severity.
A recent study by the Mailman School of Public Health found a possible link between cigarette use and the rise in childhood asthma cases. Cigarette smoke exposure is thought to contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma among children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
National Jewish researchers present groundbreaking findings on asthma perception, air pollution effects, obesity resistance to medication, and salmeterol risk. They also discover household bleach can neutralize allergens, improving patient responses.
A new study found that children of mothers who ate the most apples were less likely to develop asthma or allergies. Fish consumption also showed a protective effect against eczema in children. The researchers suggest that specific nutrients like flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids may be responsible for these effects.
Researchers found that patients with well-controlled mild asthma on twice-daily inhaled steroids can safely reduce inhaler use to once a day or switch to daily pills. The study involved 500 children and adults with mild persistent asthma.
Researchers discovered that nitric oxide and its derivatives, SNOs, control the functionality of beta adrenergic receptors in heart failure and asthma. The study found that these receptors can become desensitized over time, leading to reduced medication efficacy.
A web-based asthma program for low-income black high school students significantly improved symptoms, missed school days, and hospitalizations. The 'Puff City' program focused on controller medication adherence, rescue inhaler availability, and smoking cessation.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds a strong association between domestic violence and asthma, with women who experienced domestic violence having a 37% increased risk of asthma. Household exposure to domestic violence also raises the risk of reported asthma in children and adult men.
A recent study found that a virulent strain of H. pylori may help protect children from developing asthma, with those carrying the strain being 40% less likely to have had asthma before age 15. The microbe was also associated with protection against ragweed and other allergies in younger adults.
A study found that poor urban asthmatic children are more likely to seek emergency care for asthma than their affluent peers. The main reasons include parents' feelings of panic and anxiety about their child's symptoms, previous outpatient visits, and a belief that emergency care provides faster treatment.
UCSF scientists have discovered that chitin triggers an allergic inflammatory response in the lungs of mice, leading to increased production of the anti-chitin enzyme. The researchers suggest that people with less-effective versions of this enzyme may be more prone to asthma due to their inability to control exposure to inhaled chitin.
Research at University of Virginia Children's Hospital found that children with asthma are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.
Researchers analyzed data from 397 adults and children, finding that most asthma flare-ups led to step-up in medication doses. Fewer patients experienced step-down therapy changes when symptoms subsided, highlighting the need for more flexible treatment approaches for asthma patients.
Research published in Thorax found that mothers who ate apples during pregnancy had children with a significantly reduced risk of developing asthma and childhood wheezing. Other healthy foods, such as fish, did not show the same protective effect. The study suggests an apple-specific effect due to its phytochemical content.
Research published in Thorax found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts protects against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms among children. The study analyzed dietary habits, respiratory symptoms, and allergic reactions of over 700 children living on the Greek island of Crete.
Overweight and obese individuals are at a 50% increased risk of developing asthma, with targeted interventions potentially reducing incidence. Obesity contributes to various respiratory issues, including reduced lung function and increased oxygen cost of breathing.
A new asthma inhaler propellant is safe and effective, but its higher cost will significantly impact consumers and healthcare systems. The switch from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant may lead to increased costs for patients with prescription benefit plans, as well as co-pays.
A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that bronchial thermoplasty significantly improves asthma control, reducing symptoms and medication use. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle, demonstrates promising results for patients with moderate or severe asthma.
Only 20% of children with persistent asthma have optimal control, according to a survey-based study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics. The study found that 43% of children receiving medications still experienced poor symptom control, highlighting the need for improved education and trigger avoidance strategies.
The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has significantly increased in Ghana between 1993 and 2003. According to a study, the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchospasm and atopy doubled over this period, posing concerns for public health in West Africa.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, are associated with hospitalizations for fever and respiratory illnesses in young children. Children with asthma or a history of wheezing have a higher risk of hospitalization due to rhinovirus infection.
A study found that montelukast treatment in children with intermittent asthma reduced symptoms by 14%, hospital visits by 29%, and parent time off work by 33%. The medication also resulted in a savings of $96 per treated episode.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective initial daily therapy for children with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study also showed no significant adverse growth effects among any of the medicines studied.
Researchers at UCSD found fibrosis and remodeling in pediatric EE patients similar to airway remodeling in asthma. These changes increase blood vessel adhesion molecules, leading to inflammation in the esophagus.
A large randomized controlled trial found that taking low-dose aspirin every other day can reduce the risk of newly diagnosed adult-onset asthma by 22 percent. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, involved over 22,000 healthy male physicians aged 40 to 84 years.
Researchers found that Florida red tide toxins can impact respiratory function and increase respiratory symptoms in patients with asthma. The study suggests that coastal residents may react less to the toxins due to prior environmental exposure.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that only 20% of inner-city children with chronic asthma receive the recommended daily controller medication to control flare-ups. This leads to over-reliance on fast-acting rescue drugs, increasing complications and risk of death.
Researchers at USC discovered that children without asthma suffered from severe symptoms during the 2003 Southern California wildfires. The study found that wearing masks and staying indoors reduced health problems, suggesting simple protective measures can mitigate effects of wildfire smoke.